The lesson from Antelope is Action. It is said that when time was just beginning and the “Tribe of Man” was still small, Antelope could see that the two-leggeds were naked, hungry, and in danger of fading from existence. Our Ancestors could vanish from Mother Earth if action was not taken.
Antelope acted and went into camp. He called all the two-leggeds together for Council.
“Great Spirit has sent me to teach you a lesson. The lesson is to do. There is no reason to be fearful if you know what to do and then do it.” Antelope said.
“And what should we do?” the People asked.
“If you are naked and cold, you should kill me and take my coat to keep you warm. It is my gift to you. Do it.”
“We will, ” said the People. “But what about our hunger? We are starving. What should we do to save ourselves?
“If you are hungry, you should kill me and take my flesh. It will nourish you and make you strong. It is my gift to you and a part of my evolution. It is my service. Do it.”
You see, Antelope knew that the humans would survive the Ice Age if they learned to eat meat. Before the great mountains of ice began to move across Mother Earth, fruits and vegetables had been plentiful. There had been no need to eat from the bodies of the animals. The clans of the second world ate Antelope. They took the wisdom and instinct of the four-leggeds into their bodies and learned from each creature’s essence how to survive. They were taught never to waste or to take more than they needed. When they were in need the two-leggeds knew to take action.
Antelope taught humans to honor the gifts sent from the Great Spirit and to avoid the indiscriminate destruction of life.
Antelope signifies knowledgeable action. Observing brother Antelope, you become aware of your mortality and the short time span you have on this planet. Antelope medicine is the knowledge of life’s circle. Knowing of death, Antelope can truly live. Action is the key and essence of living.
Antelope medicine gives you strength of mind and heart and the ability to take quick and decisive action to get things done.
“Do it now. Don’t wait any longer.” says Brother Antelope.
~Mitakuye Oyasin~ We are all related